What should you do if a mouse is scratching under the floor in a house? - briefly
Inspect for entry points, seal gaps, and set traps or bait stations; then clean affected areas and monitor for activity. If the problem persists, contact a professional pest‑control service.
What should you do if a mouse is scratching under the floor in a house? - in detail
If you detect a rodent moving beneath the floorboards, immediate action prevents damage and health risks.
First, confirm the presence. Listen for consistent scratching, squeaking, or rustling sounds, especially at night. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or small holes in the subfloor or baseboards.
Next, eliminate food sources. Store all pantry items in sealed containers, clean crumbs from the kitchen, and remove pet food after feeding. Dispose of garbage in tightly‑fitting bins.
Then, block entry points. Inspect the foundation, utility openings, and gaps around pipes. Seal cracks with steel wool followed by caulk, install metal flashing around vents, and repair damaged weatherstripping.
After securing the environment, set traps or bait stations. Choose appropriate devices:
- Snap traps positioned perpendicular to walls, baited with peanut butter or chocolate.
- Live‑catch traps if relocation is preferred, checked frequently and released far from the residence.
- Electronic traps for rapid, humane kills.
Place traps near the suspected activity zone, preferably 1–2 feet from walls, and set them in low‑traffic areas to avoid accidental human contact.
If the infestation persists despite these measures, consult a licensed pest‑control professional. They can perform a thorough inspection, identify hidden nesting sites, and apply targeted rodenticides or exclusion techniques in compliance with safety regulations.
Finally, monitor the situation for several weeks. Continue checking traps, inspecting for new signs of activity, and maintaining a sealed, clean environment to prevent re‑infestation.